The 4 Noble Truths

The four noble truths of Buddhism lead to happiness by introducing us to the true cause of our unhappiness. We typically blame others, including perhaps a higher being, as the cause of our suffering. But as we learn through meditation, the source of our suffering is our own mind. Change our minds and we change our world, transforming even our most challenging hardships into potential sources of happiness.

In his first teaching after realizing enlightenment, the Buddha taught the four noble truths and eightfold path. The eightfold path describes the 8 actions of those who are free from their pain and suffering. By acting the same way, we too can be free from our discontentment.

The noble eightfold path helps end suffering by offering us a clear example of how the noble, or wise ones, act. When we act in this same manner, we create the karma and merit necessary to realize our own liberation. Among the principles of Buddhism is that our own actions of body, speech and mind are what creates our reality. Thus, act as a noble one and we too can see reality from the perspective of an enlightened being.